The Magpies board have spent the last week assessing McClaren’s future as head coach, following the 3-1 home defeat at the hands of Bournemouth.

That result left the Tyneside club in second-bottom place in the table, one point off safety and with a game in hand over all their closest rivals.

Survival is still a possibility, but changes need to be made quickly, and the board have decided that parting company with McClaren was the wisest choice.

There are no confirmations as to his successor, but Rafa Benitez is expected to take charge of the Magpies in the coming days.

The Spaniard will be tasked with leading Newcastle away from the relegation zone, improving upon the tally of just six wins this season, with 10 games of the campaign left.

Lee Charnley spoke following the release of McClaren, saying: “: "I would like to thank Steve personally for his services to Newcastle United. He is a man of integrity and class and he has conducted himself with great dignity during this difficult time.”

Following the release of the news, Newcastle fans took to Twitter to react to McClaren’s sacking, with many agreeing with the decision.

However, the rumoured appointment of Rafa Benitez has not been met with completely positive reaction, with some suggesting that the playing squad are just not good enough to stay in the top flight

Billy Hawkins

Billy is a freelance writer who contributes to various sites concerning football. Known to possess an obsession with statistics, Eastern European club sides, and Victorian football, he focuses upon the untapped potential of the Football League in the belief it is more enjoyable than the Premier League.